WEATHERBY MARK V APEX 224WBY 24″ FDE
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Apex 224WBY 24″ FDE is a lightweight, long-range hunting rifle built around Weatherby's nine-lug Mark V steel action and paired with a 24-inch fluted barrel chambered in the proprietary .224 Weatherby Magnum cartridge. Its exposed carbon-fiber stock and two-tone Cerakote finish prioritize weight reduction and durability, targeting shooters who need to carry precision over distance. At $2,609.99, it's a purpose-built tool for hunting varmints and medium game in conditions where ounces matter.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Apex 224WBY 24″ FDE used for?
It's engineered for long-range, precision hunting of varmints and medium-sized game where mobility is critical. The .224 Weatherby Magnum pushes a 55-grain bullet at over 3,600 fps, offering a remarkably flat trajectory ideal for shots beyond 300 yards. The rifle's 7.8-pound weight makes it suitable for mountain hunts where covering ground with a lighter rig can save your energy for the shot. This isn't a benchrest rifle; it's for the shooter who hikes to find their quarry.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Apex compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Weatherby Apex is a specialized long-range varmint rifle, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a general-purpose, cost-effective hunting tool. The Apex's .224WBY cartridge has less recoil energy (approximately 14 ft-lbs) and a flatter trajectory than the .308 at extended ranges, making it superior for small targets at 400+ yards. However, the Stevens 334 is chambered in the more common and versatile .308 Winchester, retailing for roughly one-third the price, making it a better choice for hunting larger game like deer or for a shooter's first centerfire rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 7.8 pounds (9 pounds specified by manufacturer is with optics, mount, and a loaded magazine—the bare rifle is lighter) and measures 44.5 inches in overall length. The 24-inch fluted barrel has a 1:9 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing heavier 55-70 grain .224-caliber bullets. The stock's carbon fiber construction keeps weight down, but it still provides a full 13.75-inch length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. Its compact profile is a full 2.5 inches shorter than many traditional long-action hunting rifles with 26-inch barrels.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the shooter seeking a budget-friendly, general-purpose hunting rifle or someone new to long-range shooting. The proprietary .224 Weatherby Magnum ammunition is expensive, averaging $3.50 per round, and isn't as readily available as common calibers like .223 Remington. It's also not ideal for hunting large game; the cartridge lacks the terminal energy required for ethical deer-sized harvests beyond 200 yards. If you primarily hunt in dense brush or want a do-it-all rifle for under $1,000, look at our Stevens 334 in .243 Win.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle, one 3-round AICS-pattern detachable box magazine, a basic trigger lock, and the owner's manual with warranty information. Weatherby does not include optics, a bipod, or a premium rifle case; you're paying for the rifle itself. Expect to budget an additional $800-$2,000 for a suitable long-range scope, mounts, and a hard case to complete your setup. The 3-round magazine capacity is standard for hunting applications and helps keep the profile slim.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Apex worth it at $2,609.99?
Yes, if your specific need is a lightweight, precision rifle for long-range varmint hunting and you value the proprietary action and cartridge performance. The cost is justified by the premium Mark V action, carbon-fiber stock, and specialized barrel, which together deliver sub-MOA accuracy potential straight from the factory. For a shooter who doesn't need the cutting-edge weight reduction or the specific ballistics of the .224WBY, a rifle like a Bergara B14 HMR in 6.5 Creedmoor offers comparable accuracy at nearly half the price but with more weight and a different ballistic profile.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.8 lbs bare — over a pound lighter than many comparable steel-and-walnut hunting rifles.
- 24-inch fluted barrel provides optimal velocity for the .224WBY cartridge while managing weight.
- Nine-lug Mark V action is renowned for strength and a 54-degree bolt lift for faster cycling.
- Exposed carbon-fiber stock reduces weight and increases rigidity over traditional fiberglass.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary .224 Weatherby Magnum ammo costs $3.50+ per round and has limited availability.
- No optic, mount, or sling included — adds $800+ minimum to the total system cost.
- Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustable comb or length-of-pull, unlike premium chassis systems.
- Not chambered in a common caliber, limiting its utility as a general-purpose rifle.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115461509 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MAX01N224WR6B |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
- Yes, it uses a standard short-action Remington 700 pattern for scope bases, which is the most common mounting system available. You will need a set of bases or a one-piece rail sized for a short-action footprint. I recommend using a quality torque wrench and mounting screws torqued to 25 in-lbs to prevent shifting under recoil.
- Does this work with a standard .223 Remington suppressor?
- Yes, but only with a .224-caliber (5.56mm) rated suppressor, and only after the mandatory ATF Form 4 approval process. The .224 Weatherby Magnum operates at higher pressures (approx. 65,000 PSI) than .223 Remington, so you must verify your suppressor is rated for magnum-class cartridges. Using an incompatible suppressor can cause a catastrophic failure.
- How long does shipping take for this rifle to an FFL?
- Standard ground shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 5-7 business days from our warehouse. All firearms require shipment to your chosen FFL holder, who will then conduct the mandatory NICS background check, which can add another 30 minutes to several days depending on state laws and system delays.
- Can I return it if the accuracy is unsatisfactory?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms for performance reasons unless a measurable manufacturing defect is confirmed. We recommend testing with at least 40 rounds of quality ammunition from a stable rest to establish a true accuracy baseline. If you suspect a defect, contact Weatherby's customer service first, as the rifle is covered by their 3-year limited warranty.